Besides producing some of the most iconic electric guitars in history, Fender manufactured amps that were used by legendary Rock ‘n Roll musicians. Hence, it is understandable that deciding between Fender Super Champ XD vs X2 can be a daunting task.
Having a great, high-quality amp you like using is almost as important as having an instrument you’re really comfortable with since both the guitar and the amp work together to produce the sound you want.
That’s why everything from the amp’s size to its power output can potentially make a difference during your performance. So, in this comparison of Fender Super Champ XD VS X2 we are going to take a close look at all of their features in order to help you decide which of these amps is the better choice for you.
Main Differences Between Fender Super Champ XD vs X2
The main differences between Fender Super Champ XD vs X2 are:
- Fender Super Champ XD has external speaker capability, whereas Fender Super Champ X2 is not equipped with this feature
- Fender Super Champ X2 has a Fender’s Fuse software, whereas Fender Super Champ XD doesn’t have a built-in software
- Fender Super Champ XD has 16 DSP effects, whereas Fender Super Champ X2 has 15 effects
- Fender Super Champ X2 has a USB port, whereas connecting Fender Super Champ XD to a computer is not possible
- Fender Super Champ X2 was first released in 2012, whereas Fender Super Champ XD hit the market in 2008
- Fender Super Champ XD doesn’t have a 2-band EQ, whereas Fender Super Champ X2 has this feature
- Fender Super Champ X2 can be purchased for approximately $400 whereas Fender Super Champ XD costs around $300.
Used Fender Super Champ XD 15W 1x10 Guitar Combo Amp from Guitar Center. For the experienced player who wants a low-volume valve amp for home practice, recording, jamming, or just another fun toy to mess around with, this is a very affordable choice.
The full comparison of Fender Super Champ XD and X2’s features
Despite a few differences between these two combo amps, they still have quite a bit in common. Although Fender Super Champ XD is an older model than the Fender Super Champ X2 its features are equally impressive.
You can read our full review of Fender Super Champ X2 at this link. Both of these amps are portable, which enables you to take them with you to rehearsals or jam sessions. Here’s what these two Fender’s amps have to offer.
The Design
Even a seasoned musician who had the opportunity to use amps of all shapes and sizes may have difficulties differentiating between Fender Super Champ XD and X2 while looking at them.
On the outside, only the names of these amps seem to be different, as both have the recognizable vintage Fender amp look. The control knobs and the audio jack on both of these models are positioned identically, but that is not where the similarities between these two amps stop.
Both amps have identical dimensions of 14.78 X 8.75 X 17.5 inches and they are only available in black color. The weight difference is just one pound, and each of these Fender’s amps is lightweight and easily transportable.
In terms of design, there is no difference between Fender Super Champ XD and X2, as they look the same, and their size and weight are almost identical.
The power output
Fender Super Champ X2 and Super Champ XD are 15-Watt amps that have two 6V6 tubes as well as one 12AX7 preamp tube. Consequently, you can expect the same level of performance from both of these amps.
The 15-Watt power output places these two amps into the category of small guitar amps that are designed for practice purposes and informal jam sessions. Extending the power output of these amps is not possible, so you should only opt for Fender Super Champ X2 or XD if you are looking for an amp you can use at home or in small venues.
Unfortunately, these two amps are not a good choice for professional musicians in need of the equipment they can use at concerts or in-studio.
Controls
Control panels of these two amps are also identical, as each amp has eight control knobs. You can use the following knobs to modulate your instrument’s sound:
- Volume 1
- Gain
- Volume 2
- Voice
- Treble
- Bass
- F/X Level
- F/X Select
The knobs on the control panel are easily accessible which makes increasing or decreasing the volume or adjusting the bass and treble an easy task. Furthermore, both amps have two channels, the first channel generates clean blackface tones, while the second channel has a voicing selector that changes the overdrive, coloration and compression attributes in order to imitate the range of vintage Fender amps.
The younger Super Champ X2 model doesn’t offer any upgrades from the Super Champ XD model. Consequently, you won’t gain much by opting for Fender Supper Champ X2 amp, since it controls are the same as those on the Fender Super Champ XD model.
The speakers
If you are looking for an amp that has powerful speakers, then Fender Super Champ X2 and XD amps are not the right choices for you. Both amps are equipped with 10’’ 8Ω special design speakers that produce clear sound at a lower volume, but as the volume level increases their physical limitations are revealed.
Nonetheless, the sound these amps produce is versatile as it can vary from clean to dirty which makes Fender Super Champ XD and X2 an excellent choice for practice purposes.
Although they may not be the loudest amps you can find on the market, Fender Super Champ XD and X2 are a reliable option for beginners and professionals who need an amp that can produce a great sound.
Sound effects and software
With the selection of 16 different voicings and 16 DFS effects, Fender Super Champ XD offers plenty of ways to modulate your guitar’s sound. The Super Champ X2 also has 16 voicings that include Tweed or Blackface among others.
X2 has 15 effects, one less than XD, as well as TAP tempo control for the delay so that you can easily adjust the guitar’s sound while you’re playing. This Fender’s amp also features the Fuse software that used to be compatible with both Macs and PCs and a USB port through which you can connect the amp to a computer.
The software was discontinued in March 2020 and it is no longer supported by Fender. Even so, you can still download it if you want to play using its backing tracks or create effect presets you can use to replace default effects offered by the X2 amp.
All of the Fuse’s features enable you to personalize your Fender Super Champ X2 amp so that it is better adjusted to your needs. Moreover, the software enables you to control mid-range tones and the presence options so that you can modulate your guitar’s sound with more precision.
All songs you create in FUSE can be easily saved and shared on social media, while the software also offers you the option to save the guitar’s sound you created directly to the amp.
Fender Super Champ XD is no match to the X2 model when it comes to effects, because XD doesn’t come with software that grants you complete control over the delay, reverb, or modulation effects, and enables you to customize the amp freely.
Fender Super Champ XD vs X2 amps – Pricing
Spending too much money on an amp you will mainly use for practicing or private jam sessions isn’t necessarily going to improve the quality of the music you’re making.
You can get Fender Super Champ XD for less than $300 which makes it more affordable than most combo amps in its class. The Fender Super Champ X2, on the other hand, is more expensive and will set you back up to a hundred dollars more than the XD model.
Paying the additional amount will get you a USB slot and a discontinued software that lets you experiment with the instrument’s sound and extends the scope of effects the amp already offers.
Everything else including the components, control panel, and the look of these two amps are almost identical. Hence, you’ll get a vintage-style Fender amp that produces a clear sound, has a variety of effects and voicing options if you choose either of these combo amps.
That’s why getting the less expensive option is a better decision, especially if you are just looking for an amp you can use to develop your guitar playing skills.
The Super Champ XD is ultimately the best option because it offers the same features as the Super Champ X2 at a significantly lower price. The only reason why you would choose Super Champ X2 would be if you want to connect it to your computer to record yourself while playing.
What are Fender Super Champ XD and X2 amps best suited for?
The quality of sound Fender Super Champ XD and X2 amps produce meets the highest industry standards. The 10-inch speaker, 6V6 tubes and 12AX7 preamp tube ensure that every sound you play sounds exactly how you wanted.
Even so, both of these Fender combo amps are best suited for home use or small private gigs that don’t require you to have an amp that has 30 or 40 Watts and several 10-inch speakers. F
ender Super Champ XD and X2 are also a great choice for anyone who just started learning to play the electric guitar because they are inexpensive. Keep in mind that these Fender amp models are not battery powered and you are going to need a power cord if you are planning on using them in the open air.
Fender Super Champ XD and X2 are aimed at both aspiring and accomplished musicians who need an amp that allows them to forget about the equipment and focus their creative energy on improving their skills.
Fender Super Champ XD vs X2 – Pros and Cons
Fender Super Champ XD Pros
- Offers a wide range of voicing options
- An affordable amp that has excellent features
- High-quality 10-inch speaker
- Vintage Fender amp design
- Lightweight and easily portable
- Equipped with external speaker cabinet line output
- Produces clear sound
- Easily accessible control panel
Fender Super Champ XD Cons
- No USB connection
- No sound modulation software
- Questionable performance at high volume
- Controlling the tempo is not possible
Used Fender Super Champ XD 15W 1x10 Guitar Combo Amp from Guitar Center. For the experienced player who wants a low-volume valve amp for home practice, recording, jamming, or just another fun toy to mess around with, this is a very affordable choice.
Fender Super Champ X2 Pros
Pros
- Durable and sturdy amp
- Equipped with a USB port for digital recording
- Recognizable classic Fender design
- 10-inch Special Design Fender speaker
- Offers the TAP tempo control option
- Switching between channels is easy
- Great selection of effects
- Weighs just 23 pounds
Cons
- FUSE software was discontinued
- More expensive than similar amp models
- Not an ideal amp for larger gigs
- Not suited for all genres of music
The Fender Super-Champ X2 15W 1x10 Tube Guitar Combo Amp combines 15 watts of rich, dual-channel tube amp sound with modern extras such as versatile amp voicing and a wide selection of digital effects.
The best alternatives to Fender Super Champ XD and X2
There are plenty of similarly priced amps on the market that are capable of comparable or better performances than Fender Super Champ XD and X2 amps. Here are some of the best alternatives to Fender Super Champ XD and X2 amps.
VOX AC15C1X
In case you are looking for a more powerful amp than Fender’s XD and X2 models, you should consider getting VOX AC15C1X. The 15-Watt amp grants you complete control over your instrument’s sound while its 12-inch Celestion Alnico Blue speaker ensures that you can play at large venues
In addition, this combo amp has three 12AX7 tubes, two 2EL84 power tubes as well as external and extension loudspeaker jacks. VOX AC15C1X offers a broad range of effects that enable you to experiment with your guitar’s sound.
However, this amp is both larger and heavier than Fender Super Champ XD and X2 amps, which makes it difficult to carry it with you to a gig or jam session. VOX AC15C1X is also significantly more expensive than Fender’s XD or X2 amps.
This powerful channel pairing provides an abundance of tone-crafting control, letting you dial in a classic sound that is all your own.
Bugera V5 INFINIUM
Its vintage look makes Bugera V5 INFINIUM a great replacement for Fender Super Champ XD or X2. You can switch between 5W, 1W, and 0.1W options and control how much power the amp is using.
Its 8-inch and 4Ω Turbosound speaker produces a unique and recognizable sound. Bugera V5 INFINIUM has just one 12AX7 preamp tube and one EL84 power tube. Moreover, the amp has just one channel and it has Gain, Tone, Volume, and Reverb controls. It also features a headphone output which makes it perfectly suited for practice purposes.
This Bugera’s amp is less expensive than the Fender Super Champ XD and X2, although it has fewer controls and a less powerful speaker. Novice electric guitar players can benefit from getting the Bugera V5 INFINIUM amp because it is perfectly suited for a variety of music genres.
Read our full list of Best Bugera Amps you can buy today.
The timeless design and sound of the all-tube amp has made its indelible mark on countless beloved tracks spanning the history of the electric guitar.
Orange DA15H Dark Terror
Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page is just one among countless artists who use Orange’s amps. That’s why it is hardly a surprise that Orange DA15H Dark Terror is one of the best amps on the market. This is a one-channel amp with adjustable power output so that you can choose between 15W and 7W options.
Moreover, you can get a model of this amp with 8-ohm, 16-ohm, or two 16-ohm speakers. Orange DA15H Dark Terror is equipped with 2 EL84 power amps, 3 ECC83 or 12AX7 preamp, and one ECC81 or 12AT7 FX Loop.
This Orange’s amp is lighter than the Fender Super Champ XD or X2 amps as it weighs just 12.56lbs. However, it is more expensive than the XD and X2 which only makes it a great option for professional musicians.
This Frankenstein-like amp has creepy amounts of gain on tap with disturbingly pleasurable responsiveness.
FAQs about Fender Super Champ XD vs X2
Question: Do I need a cord to power the Fender Super Champ XD amp?
Answer: Yes, you do. Fender Super Champ XD doesn’t run on batteries and you must connect it to a power source in order to use it.
The Verdict: Does Fender Super Champ XD outperform Fender Super Champ X2?
Like all artists, musicians need excellent equipment in order to express their creativity fully. Although Fender Super Champ XD and X2 are probably not the amps you will be using at your first concert, they are a perfect fit for your home studio.
How good you are going to sound while playing your guitar, often depends on the quality of the amp you’re using. Fender Super Champ XD and X2 are virtually identical two-channel amps that offer the same controls, feature the same speaker, and have the same valves.
The only major difference is that the older Fender Super Champ XD doesn’t have a USB port or the FUSE software. However, the FUSE software was discontinued earlier this year which takes away the X2’s greatest advantage over the XD model.
Bottom Line Summary: Fender Super Champ XD is a better choice than the X2 amp, because it offers the same features at a lower price. Opting for the Fender Super Champ X2 only makes sense if you want to connect the amp to a computer in order to record yourself while playing.
Click through if you want to learn more about the best mini-amps for your guitar.
Used Fender Super Champ XD 15W 1x10 Guitar Combo Amp from Guitar Center. For the experienced player who wants a low-volume valve amp for home practice, recording, jamming, or just another fun toy to mess around with, this is a very affordable choice.
Conclusion
We hope that out Fender Super Champ XD VS X2 comparison has helped you decide which of these two amps best fits your needs. Leave a comment below and share your opinions with us or read more about some of the best Fender amps on the market.
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